Each year in the United States, nearly 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die as a result. The disease takes an even greater toll globally as the vast majority of cervical cancers occur in low-income countries. Like most cancers, an early diagnosis – typically revealed in Pap screenings – followed by a targeted treatment plan saves lives. When detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate for women with invasive cervical cancer is 92 percent.
The month of January is recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the healthcare providers at Franciscan Health and Franciscan Physician Network encourage women to be screened.
Christopher Louck, M.D. with Franciscan Physician Network Rensselaer Medical Center, says that once a woman reaches age 21, a Pap test, which is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) should be conducted. If the test is negative, screening exams are given every three years. “Women in their 20s and throughout their 30s should discuss this and other testing available with their physician,” he adds.
For more information on cervical cancer, click here.
Franciscan Health is a member of Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan Alliance, one of the largest Catholic healthcare systems in the Midwest with 14 growing hospitals, approximately 20,000 employees and a number of nationally recognized Centers of Healthcare Excellence. Franciscan Health includes Franciscan Health Lafayette East, Lafayette Central, Crawfordsville and Rensselaer, Franciscan Physician Network with offices in Lafayette, West Lafayette, Monticello, Crawfordsville and Rensselaer, and the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing.
